PRESIDENCY OF THE 10TH SENATE: WHY ORJI UZOR KALU (OUK) IS THE BEST CANDIDATE
By Koké Alozie Nwoko
As the race for the President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria hots up, some Senators-elect have been struggling to announce their ambition to become the next Senate President. It’s not in doubt that these Senators-elect have the constitutional rights to run for principal offices in the 10th Senate but the seat of Senate President is a very big and sensitive office which requires the requisite democratic credentials, legislative experience, international exposure and administrative charisma as richly possessed by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK).
Infact, as the inauguration of the National Assembly draws nearer, it has become pertinent to discuss the various things which stand OUK out among his fellow contestants for the office of Senate President; viz:
Firstly, OUK is a true and detribalized Nigerian who sees Nigeria as one. He doesn’t harbour divisive sentiments. He sees Nigeria as one family and treats everyone equally, no matter where he or she hails from. No wonder different parts of the country have honoured him various Chieftaincy titles as a true Nigerian who doesn’t discriminate against anyone irrespective of ethnicity and religion. OUK is not an ethno-religious bigot and has proved that in his business recruitments and appointments as Abia State governor. Nigeria needs a Senate President who will see Nigeria as one family and OUK has this rare quality.
Secondly, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has rich democratic credentials which stand him out among those jostling for the office of Senate President. He used the various positions he has occupied to promote democracy and rule of law. So, OUK will apply his wealth of experience in democratic governance to enrich in the Senate.
In international exposure, OUK holds the ace in the race for the Nigerian Senate President. Through his various local and international businesses, OUK has built network of connections which are highly needed for a successful Senate Presidency.
In terms of legislative experience, OUK has made his marks in the business of National legislation, having been elected to the House of Representatives in 1991 before his election to the senate in 2019 and re-election in the just concluded 2023 general elections. It’s a fact that his colleagues in the senate found him worthy and elected him to the position of Senate Chief Whip which made him a principal officer of the National Assembly. OUK was elected Senate Chief Whip because of his legislative capacity and the confidence of his colleagues. OUK’S commitment to social justice and good governance are highly commendable. It’s usually said that, “the reward for hard work is more work”. As OUK has worked hard in both chambers of the National Assembly and won the confidence of his colleagues to hold the office of Senate Chief Whip, the same confidence should be taken to greater heights for greater service to his fatherland. He will never take the confidence of his colleagues for granted. He will a team player and will surely deliver on his promises.
Having served as a Member of House of Representatives, Governor and Senator, OUK will apply his Executive and Legislative experiences to ensure a harmonious working relationship between the Executive and Legislature. He will ensure checks and balances that will support the speedy development of Nigeria and war against corruption.
Finally, OUK hails from Southeast which deserves a position like the Senate President in order to douse tensions of agitations arising from separatist sentiments. These separatist sentiments stemming from the cries of marginalization and calls for a better deal in the Nigerian project. Electing Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to the position of Senate President will in no doubt serve as a compensation for Igbos who have been yearning for a better deal in Nigeria since the civil war ended. OUK has the administrative capacity to lead the Senate and ensure the success of the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for economic growth and development which will surely put smiles on the faces of Nigerian people.
It’s on this note that I call on OUK’S colleagues (Senators-elect) to give him the necessary support on the day of Senate Presidency election because he is the best among his fellow contestants. He will unite the Senate and National Assembly for the greater good of Nigeria.
I can only but say, “Congratulations to OUK in advance”.
To God be the glory!
